Happy Birthday Leslie!!!

誕生日おめでとう!!

Happy Birthday my dearest friend. It is always so nice to hear from you and an even greater treasure when we get to speak. It has been a long time and it's great to know that you are doing so well because we are all so proud of you and your achievements. You continue to be an inspiration for us all!!

I will be sharing some old photos when I get home earlier but right now, I wanted to wish you all the best and happiness in all areas of your life. I couldn't wish it for a more deserving person! On top of that, I want to share what you shared about your new projects so that your fans will know what is going to happen very soon.

Besides photographing the new jacket for 松任谷由実's new album "A Girl in Summer", Leslie is currently working on his newest project "Superstars - We Are The Asian", which is an extensive feature starring 250 top Asian superstars, past and present. His workpage currently features around 130 names but they are still working on adding more soon. His friend and idol, 松任谷由実 will be writing for the book, and he has spent more than 160 days photographing these Asian superstars. At last count, there will be 130 from Japan, 50 from HK, 40 from Taiwan, and a few representatives from the other South East Asian regions. Each star will be given a 2 page spread and no favourtism will be shown because the setting and lighting will be the same for everyone. This will be the first of its kind in the world. His aim is to bring all these stars along to share the same vision with him, and I think it is a wonderful idea for him to showcase Asian talent and beauty to the world.

Leslie has disclosed that he is flying back to Tokyo and meeting Seiko Matsuda this weekend, when she flies back from NY to record her new album. He has approached Seiko about appearing in "Superstars" but Seiko wants to look at his portfolio and discuss more about the project before signing on. Like many other superstars, there is a concern that they might be outdone by someone else.

He also mentioned that he has approached Akina twice through her record producer (I can't remember the name) for this project and has twice been rejected by Akina. The reason for declining is that Akina has decided more than 10 years ago to stop participating in group projects and will only focus on mini-projects. Leslie said that even though he has not met her, "She is the most DIVA person I know." Thankfully, he does not hold any grudges against Akina because he knows that it is important for a star to stick to their principles and he respects that.

Akina has also came back and said that she is interested in being Leslie's model if he is interested in shooting individual projcts and Leslie has promised that he will do it definitely after this major feature. He is naturally disappointed because even Yuming-sama says "Of course Akina should be in it!" Even her "Primadam" co-star (not Kuroki Hitomi) but another female actress (who used to be professional ballerina), who is featured in "Superstars" has taken on the initiative and encouraged Akina to do it. She said that Akina is very nice off-screen but she wants to focus on acting well in this drama, and mini-projects for her fans. So, Leslie has given up on Akina appearing in "Superstars" even after I asked him to ask again.

Well, "Superstars" will be launched on 8th August, 5/6 years after his first picture book "Present". Leslie will be touring and holding exhibitions from August till December in 5 countries and I can't wait to be there congratuling him in person. Stay tuned ...